Chemicals management

Polychlorinated Biphenyls

PCBs are formally known as polychlorinated biphenyls. PCBs have the chemical formula C12H10-nCIn where 'n' is 1-10. They are a family of 209 congeners (chemicals with the same basic structure) where the biphenyl structure has chlorine atoms substituted for hydrogen atoms to varying degrees.

Approximately 100 of these congeners are present in various technical mixtures of PCBs that were produced commercially in large quantities until the late 1970s. PCBs have been used in electrical appliances, such as transformers and capacitors, hydraulic fluids, plasticisers and dye carriers. They are also generated and released into the environment as unintentional by-products of chemical manufacturing and incineration.

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has produced the following PCB publications

• Polychlorinated Biphenyls Management Plan
• Review of ANZECC PCB Management Plan
• Monitoring of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Australia
• Identification of PCB-Containing Capacitors
• Restrictions on PCB Imports Fact Sheet

If you require further information:

Chemical Policy Section
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2600
E-mail: ocp@environment.gov.au